Jane Fonda's Guide to Love, Friendship, and Political Activism | Explains It All | Harper's BAZAAR

Jane Fonda knows what she's doing. For the debut episode of our new series, Explains It All, the 83-year-old actress, activist, and icon shares her wisdom on living your most intentional life. From finding meaning in politics to learning how to be whole while single, our April 2021 cover star has got it covered.
Welcome to Explains It All, a new BAZAAR series, where icons share their ultimate pearls of wisdom. From sex and relationships to career and politics, some of the most distinguished people in the business let us in on their definitive life advice.
Read how Jane Fonda became the most radical woman in Hollywood from BAZAAR's April issue:
www.harpersbazaar.com/culture...
Director and Producer: Kathryn Rice
Editor and Colorist: Erica Dillman
Graphics: Erica Dillman, Erin Lux
Director of Photography: Danny Dwyer
Sound: Matt Leeb
Don't miss out on the latest must-see video ►► bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoBAZAAR
// ABOUT BAZAAR //
Sophisticated, elegant and provocative, Harper's BAZAAR is your source for everything beauty and skincare, and the latest fashion trends straight from the runway. We've showcased the visions of legendary editors, photographers and stylists proudly since 1867.
#JaneFonda #ExplainsItAll #BAZAAR

[@fruttenka]

"You can't make your life longer, but you can make your life deeper," that was really beautifully put.

[@williamsharman2159]

Hello Monika, how are you doing?

[@Dime9764]

This Those word were beautiful Such an amazing woman True gem

[@bgueberdenteich5206]

@@Dime9764 She is not amazing, she should not even live in this country ! I repeat, she is a traitor to our country !

[@sherryg1838]

@@bgueberdenteich5206 No she’s not. She was anti war and fell prey to government propaganda that didn’t want the truth about Vietnam to come out. Educate yourself.

[@mauriceapollo8688]

I realize Im kinda randomly asking but does anyone know a good site to stream newly released tv shows online ?

[@sdz4383]

I admire how brutally honest and accepting she is of her journey's ups and downs and how every event has changed her way of being more wiser and better .

[@cartergomez5390]

Yes, it's true how life is a journey and you become wiser because you get to know yourself better over the years and sometimes it takes a long time.

[@maralynfarber2068]

Jane is a seeker. If you read her books, you get this. She is fiercely intelligent. I believe Jane has embraced the Christian faith, but she has also embraced Buddhism & much more. She has apologized to her children for not being a better mom when this was relevant, and I always appreciated her humility. Honestly, it also helps to have a lot of money. I believe when she divorced Ted Turner, he was extremely generous to her. When Jane was a child, she was desperate for her daddy’s approval and attention, so her history with men is very understandable.

[@MsLauraMSM]

“I’m not afraid to die, I’m afraid to die with regrets” I love her

[@tiffanyroseangeles7517]

Yes! She's fabtastic!!!

[@Irishgui83]

I wish we could all be as accepting and less frightened by our own mortality. It's still so taboo in Western world.

[@BooBoo-pu1jh]

There are two genders

[@davemattia]

Lady, i you don't have regrets, you're full of baloney.

[@snozzlehead92]

Hanoi Jane. Communist sympathizer and enabler. That will forever be her legacy.

[@Mac62671]

Prime example of a woman who lived a life that she paid attention to. A lot of depth here

[@elizabethgiarratana439]

Ijhi oh o

[@elizabethgiarratana439]

I'm on I boo

[@Mac62671]

@@elizabethgiarratana439 ??

[@silambre]

...who lives a life... she is old, not dead 🙃

[@marcellasteles]

WHAT A GREAT INTERVIEW!!!! She's so brillant, honest and sane. She's 83 and looks great. INSIDE and out.

[@McCallmeLauren]

A literal ICON. What a titan, I look up to her so much. She's such a badass!

[@scubasteve4496]

you make me sick she's a dispicable human being

[@mitchconner865]

@@scubasteve4496 damn straight!

[@gustamanavo]

I'm probably gonna rewatch this for the rest of my life!

[@sw.7519]

Read a book instead an educate. She is a virtue signaller .An actress.

[@cleverdouradomarinho904]

She is a book of wisdom

[@cartergomez5390]

Don't use the word "probably" in your life. Say you will do it. There are no uncertainties in life.

[@markleon411]

Given the chance to explain, so many more layers are revealed. This woman's life is full of lessons for all of us and for the future.

[@TNSmitty1953]

Good job Harper's crew. This interview was conducted in such a way that surpasses by far many others Jane has done. She's real, relaxed, unrehearsed , and speaks from her true self.

[@ericadillman1184]

wow was not prepared for all the emotions this video gave me

[@DanielPerez-pw1sr]

I love Jane Fonda. A real American treasure: full of wisdom, experience, intelligence, and humility. It’s refreshing to hear her speak her truth with candor and grace. She’s the Grandma I wish I had. ❤️

[@karmina709]

The grandma, sister, mentor

[@tinycandypanda]

24 woman here and the female friend comment struck a chord with me. I recently broke up due to the fact I felt my partner was isolating me from my support system, my girls. And now that I’m reconnecting, I feel so much more present, and ready for life.

[@antoniafoster8264]

Good, for you. 💝

[@jameshurst8529]

Hello Celina 🥰😊

[@NameWithoutNumber]

This is very late for a reply but: GOOD. Aside from how much we need our friendships, a partner isolating you from your support system is a giant red flag.

[@theboy.inblack]

Love her! I wish i could accomplish as much as she did and still be fab at my 80's. True Icon!

[@Irishgui83]

I wish I was as brave as Jane Fonda. She is a living legend. One who shall be remembered, not only for her career, but for her work.

[@mamaknows1062]

Thank you Jane Fonda for allowing the world to watch you grow, change, and transform into the beautiful person you have become that you always were. Love your movies, and your causes. Blessings beautiful.

[@abstergo1318]

i love this woman so much, just imagine the world if everyone was like her, such a legend and a role model

[@Christynmaine]

@Jenna Right We all either remember or know about vietnam and Jane's visit there in 1972. She has publicly apologized for this on more than one occasion in tv interviews and the print media. It was one mistake in a lifetime of activism and doing good wherever she is. She deserves our forgiveness.

[@barrymoss797]

What an idiot!!! Read her history of what she did to our soldiers during Vietnam war!!🤡🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@roxc453]

@@barrymoss797 oh boohoo

[@jenniferrothschild4329]

Well, that’s a world I’d like to live in!

[@jwalker7888]

Beautiful, smart and honest Jane. Thank you~

[@katielunny3001]

I’m in bed just winding down. And as I was listening to Jane, I started getting so excited and charged with this intense happy positive energy as she spoke. She really is a beautiful soul, and meant to be an activist. Bless

[@mer_5]

This video is such a treasure!! She is just amazing.

[@tiisetsomosoeu]

This woman is a gem. Words honestly cannot describe how much I love her.

[@wendyhart8968]

Have always loved Jane Fonda and followed her as teenager and even now the lady knows what she stands for and that is inspiring. Know who you are , most power there is!

[@Thomasfrohwitter]

Hello Wendy

[@lynnruddell7852]

I love how you are always growing ! You inspire me at 57 years.

[@cameliap1146]

Elle est remarquable à tout point de vue. Brillante, belle , engagée, cohérente...you name it ! Un plaisir de la voir et de l' écouter. You go girl !

[@heleenaassefa5203]

she is such a stunner in every way. love her!

[@davidallen508]

Quite so.Jane speaks so wisely and looks lovely here (her eyes are hypnotic).

[@sw9618]

Don't get me wrong, I love my guy friends. But as a man myself, I'd be totally lost without the two woman friends in my life, one from grade school, one from college. So I think Jane's on the mark about female friendships.

[@amandagarcia6320]

Well I hope you're not married. As a woman I would absolutely FORBID! my husband from having female friends. NO WAY, no way, no way, no way. Never. Not in a million, trillion years.

[@sw9618]

@@amandagarcia6320 Then you have serious trust issues. That really sucks. I can't imagine my future girlfriend telling me it's either her or my female friends, I'd dump her ass on the spot.

[@eusaboston]

@@amandagarcia6320 oh honey . He’ll cheat on you if you keep behaving like that . Chill and trust your hubby . It’s ok to have female friends

[@amandagarcia6320]

@@eusaboston NO, no, and NO! No! It's "not okay" with me and any man who continues to entertain "female friends" AFTER we are married? Is a man I can do without in my life and he can ENJOY watching my backside as I walk out of my divorce attorney's office as I leave him PENNILESS and without the best thing that ever happened to him in his life!

[@roxc453]

@@amandagarcia6320 you sound extremely insecure

[@loisorr8294]

Can't put into words how much I love this woman 🥰 she's amazing 🙌

[@normadejesus2845]

There's so much to learn in so little time.. She's Amazing. I love 💕 you Jane Fonda..

[@jenniferrothschild4329]

Is it possible to love her more? This is life changing. I sent it to all my woman friends. This is the first time every single one of them wrote me back because they were blown away. Several of us struggle with food. No one ever talks about that because it isn’t cool. We ❤️ you Jane and thank you for speaking from your heart.

[@gracet2605]

her talking about asking to show up in relationships and the concept of being seen by your partner.....I feel so seen yet so called out!

[@gracet2605]

if you like this interview her biography is really amazing, reading it has really help me start a journey of self-acceptance, exploring feminism and activism deeper, and made me reflect on my past and future relationships

[@bgueberdenteich5206]

SHE talking about.......

[@zigzag7740]

Wow. Mind blown! How inspirational was that - literally hung on every word she said. Loved her!

[@melwebb64]

These are the kind of world leaders we need!! BRAVE! BOLD! AUTHENTIC!! Thank you Jane! 🔥🔥🔥🌏🌈🕊

[@bgueberdenteich5206]

No we don't ! she was called Hanoi Jane ! 1972-vietnam war .

[@BLane-xr1ic]

@@bgueberdenteich5206 Thank you!! Jane should be in prison for treason.

[@thecurlycognitive5545]

Jane Fonda is an incredible woman, and the wisdom she gave will stay with me. Thank you. ❤️

[@kimbattles2399]

Ms Fonda is absolutely Amazing. Listening to her has given me food for thought and made me feel so much better.

[@Thomasfrohwitter]

Hello Kim

[@YolandaMoradzadeh]

I truly admire you. You are my hero.

[@FeralCatSanctuary]

So fond of her. A mentor for me.

[@nartarlyiatremaynne1239]

The universe was showing off when Jane was made. Her Heart is pure and I adore how open she is with struggles with a distant, cold father. Klute is one movie I love and Barefoot in the Park.

[@ivettecorrea1496]

What an amazing/wise spirit!🙏💃💪💜💚💙

[@patrickstevenson9775]

"The universe was showing off when Jane was made" WHAT WAY TO PUT IT WOW!! AWESOME!

[@CeeGeeZ]

I L💗VE your expression‼ --- & "YEP‼"✔

[@keiffer1156]

Too bad Henry Foud not alive to tell his side of story. Sorry I'm not a fan she broke my heart when she betrayed the Vietnam Vets by filming the enemy with her standing on a tank. My brother was in Vietnam War. Whether war was right or wrong she disrespected Vietnam Vets. My brother survive the war. He was never the same. She suffered hard times but nothing like the Vietnam vet . It's still very painful. There are consequences to your actions this is why Vets can not forgive her.

[@johnmccann8319]

I fell in love with Jane Fonda when I was a teenager.I've seen most of her films.She is a great actress and an amazing intelligent and beautiful woman.Thanks so much Jane.💚

[@lah6739]

Jane, good to see your grey hair. Let yourself age naturally; your inner beauty shines through and by far over-rides what is on the outside. RESPECT!

[@mariaguiza8745]

How fresh it feels hearing you Jane. I am happy the new and young generations of woman have light houses to seek like you, vulnerable and strong with all colors in between. Thanks for sharing

[@lah6739]

That's right Jane, active compassion (social activism) for the well-being of others makes us more courageous. and confident in ourselves.

[@SuperMacygray]

I've been so fortunate to have Jane Fonda to look up to and provide meaningful guidance to my life, thank you Harper for interviews like this, keep them coming...........

[@Thomasfrohwitter]

Hello Leanne

[@bcdgo3]

I resonate with so much that she talks about here. I love the line, “You can’t make your life longer, but you can make your life deeper.”, is such a wake up call for me. How do I want my third act or last chapter to go? It’s up to me to live my life intentionally, starting now!

[@barbaraconnett5057]

Thank you Jane, for you honesty, I have learned so much from you, thank you!

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Barbara hope you’re okay?

[@hayleyannamathieson7261]

Strong woman. Inspiring, intelligent, beautiful. I admire her tremendously🌹🌹🌷

[@jenniferrobertson6858]

The very picture of a life well lived, continued respect.

[@l.hutsonspe1007]

WOW! That was mind blowing. Thanks Jane Fonda. I felt comforted by the end, don't know why. Hugs 🤗

[@defneaksoy3661]

THIS WOMAN. A ROLE MODEL. AN ICON. SO MUCH RESPECT.

[@maeganachoy8222]

When Jane said: “i just wasn’t dealt a hand that made me good at relationships” i honestly felt that on a real eye opening level! Everything she mentioned on love was just on point for me 🙌🏼 I love her so much!

[@Ttaahasx125s]

ICON, Love Jane Fonda!

[@NelCooper]

I totally agree with all the accolades here for Jane Fonda. She helps me be brave too!!!

[@powerliftingcentaur]

I didn’t intend to watch this video right now, but she is so damn compelling. Love this woman.

[@terryolsson4145]

Ms. FONDA, you are an inspiration. This insight to your soul, explaining who you are and how you got there is a gift to me. Im 70yrs and have been plagued with all the same questions and dead end roads most of my life. Life is hard, youth is hard, seeking truth is hard. But collectively and over time if one has a just and moral conscience sooner or later you find peace and wholeness. I thank the Lord and the powers that be and people like you for continually enriching my soul. Thank you Jane.

[@Benyikoko]

Captivating... What a life Jane Fonda has lived. All around the world. The movies. The controversies. The money. The fame. The husbands and ofcourse her activism. A living legend if you ask me

[@patrickstevenson9775]

And the workout!

[@MargueriteFairProductions]

You are a wonderful person. I work out to your senior videos every day. You feel like a freind. Stay healthy and know you are loved!

[@antoniafoster8264]

I worked out to her exercise tapes in college in the 80’s. All of my friends, too! She’s been keeping us healthy and inspired for all these years. She’s an amazing woman. Love her. 💖

[@Thomasfrohwitter]

Hello there

[@MichaelaH2059]

Regardless of your political/ideological views and whether or not you may agree or disagree with a lot of what Jane Fonda does/believes, she is a courageous woman who has made some mistakes but has learned from them. Lots of inspiration in this video. Thank you.

[@victoriagadd6831]

Jane gets better with age. I think she’s at her most beautiful, wonderful, authentic, and most interesting now - my inspiration. She seems to have been trying to find herself for ever and over all the years I have heard - heard and listened - this is the first time I have believed that she is her true self and my god she’s fabulous and it seems is no longer trying so very hard to be JANE FONDA. What a Legend.

[@claudiagoodman4133]

Loved " grandchildren are second chances" thank u. I have always admired her. She is an inspiration in so respects.

[@evacamarena1974]

Thank you so much Mrs Fonda for those words of wisdom 🙏

[@MandyDietel]

What a woman! Just beautiful!!!

[@jameshurst8529]

Hello Wandel 😊😊

[@HemeraAeon]

This woman have more passion in her eighties then some in twenties that's I know,real inspiration,go Fonda💯

[@nossiguenrobandoabajo6329]

Wisdom embodied. A masterclass in how to live. "You can't live longer, but you can live deeper" - J.F.

[@patrickstevenson9775]

What a unique, inspiring, intelligent, wise, brave, remarkable lady! She is larger than life, beautiful inside out, no one is like her, a legend in the true sense of the word!

[@YamIa3gypsy]

I adore Jane Fonda. Authentic, intelligent, graceful and inspiring. Great interview, worth pondering several good points on life and what we make of it.

[@jameshurst8529]

Hello Vicky 👋

[@saucedupbat]

I adore this woman. I rarely feel an itch to learn about someone's life as I felt with her and I owe it to her honesty and integrity.

[@ghstbird3338]

The story of my life so far - came from money, have a degree, not knowing what the hell I want to do, keeping moving from job to job and feeling like I’m not good at anything 😞😞. Except, I have a STRONG support from my father who understands me and letting me know that I will be okay ❤️💕 - a father’s support.

[@IsabelMontes]

OMG OMG AN ICON

[@maribel4103]

Thank you for sharing and shedding some light to this almost middle-aged woman🥰

[@debbiemoore2747]

I love this woman, I love her rawness and her attitude.

[@debbiemoore2747]

@@dannyhuffman no I'm a ghost so can't answer either way

[@debbiemoore2747]

Don't do bit coin Already a cat fish Not a desperate older woman byyyyeeee

[@beverly183]

I have followed Jane Fonda since I was a youth, she’s beautiful! I only wish that I was blessed to have met her in person to simply grab some of her character which seems absolutely the best. Love you beautiful lady and please continue with Grace and Frankie

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Beverly hope you’re okay?

[@amandagarcia6320]

My God, she was so exceptionally BEAUTIFUL in her youth! Still a gorgeous lady, but I can't help feeling as though she really had that "star quality". So lovely. I just love her presence and poise.

[@szenka43]

Wow! What a beautiful and wise woman! And what an EXCELLENT video! 😎 Thank you! 💝 It gave me a lot! 🙏✨

[@janee166]

I never tire of listening to this lady’s wisdom. She is remarkable.❤️

[@sw.7519]

This shows your own short comings.

[@befit4u882]

I love love love Jane Fonda!! I have been following her for years . I exercised with her videos. She is my idol !! Thank you for this interview ! 🥰

[@latashasinclair9970]

I am so grateful for this interview. So much insite, so much wisdom. I learned 2 important things. Learn yourself find out what you need and do that. 2 hold on to your tried and true girlfriends. Love you Ms.Fonda

[@Sara-lc7ek]

Jane Fonda offers very solid advice and truths-just in this piece alone. Women coming together and supporting each other, inherently. I got scolded for recommending Grace and Frankie to an older female friend whose husband fought in Vietnam. I felt awful but researched even more and I stand by Jane. She was using her platform as she felt needed and was attempting her spread of peace. Thank you, Jane Fonda.

[@kittyhawk8646]

Love your depth of thinking, and knowing yourself, Jane Fonda. Did your power exercise programs on tape for years... read your books, joints degeneration and all, love your strength of being!❤️

[@gsand07]

Tears are streaming down my face as I listen to her. Many times while reading, “My Life So Far” same thing happened with the tears. Ms Fonda has a way of being truly and deeply present when she expresses herself and I resonate-boy do I resonate! I literally jumped when she explained her reasons for choosing the wrong men in her life. Omg I have done exactly the same! Maybe many women choose men who don’t ask them to “show up”? It’s easier to just stay in the shadows. I am 60 and have been single since 1999 and now find it easier to just keep men as friends. Thank you, Jane, for your piercing words of wisdom. You’re a beautiful inspiration. I think I will go re-read “My Life So Far”-I like feeling the “connection”. 😊

[@janelleetsitty36]

..and though, my body hurts like hell lol... so, so true.. starting to feel it, everyday 😆 but, all of what was said in here, so very true. I am approaching that 3rd act... and I want to make it count. Thank you, Jane for all you do 😘💕

[@jameshurst8529]

Hello Janelle 😊🥰

[@megancarbone3704]

She is so amazing and such an amazing role model. I love her

[@mariaholvoegouras936]

Wonderful! So important! Thank you!

[@Earl_Larson]

"I was so much older then; I'm younger than that now" 'My Back Pages' Bob Dylan.. "Life is kinda short, but it's pretty wide too" Kareem Abdul Jabbar

[@sheilaclarke5276]

Her truthfulness is so courageous and refreshing. What a legend 🌸

[@najlasouza8362]

So much wisdom, she is remarkable.

[@javelsaudades6537]

Jane Rocks! Always has, always will ! Thanks Jane Goddess ! Namaste!!!! :)

[@MsThebeMoon]

Wow. Thank you, Ms. Fonda (and Harper's Bazaar). This was exactly what I needed to see and hear right now. Especially the wisdom at the end.

[@Katarinavision]

Jane you are and have always been phenomenal since you were born! You just didn't know it in your early years. I love how clear, articulate and wise you are. Your words move me to tears. So true, what you you say about young people and youth. At Global leadership Schools we make it our mission to find every young person's 'Brilliance,' so that they lead happy, fulfilled lives, for the rest of their lives! Thank you so much for sharing your Life wisdom with us. I would love to know you as a friend. Katarina

[@pilarlago5162]

Amazing lady! Thank you Ms . Fonda for all your bravery to help make our world a better place. ❤

[@pffftt1234]

Some parts of this was my future self speaking to me now..

[@jilladams2987]

That’s nothing to laugh about, that’s amazing insight.

[@lulumoon6942]

One of the best "interviews" I've ever seen, THANK YOU.

[@debbiecameron3024]

Thank you for all you do. What a wonderful role model for women. I like that you keep on trying to improve and change.

[@sw.7519]

Not really. She is super rich and is the virtue signaller par excellence. She plays the role of her life. As entitled person she lectures the world on her goddess.

[@33CHRISTINA33]

She’s so awesome, love her❤️

[@Thomasfrohwitter]

Hello Christina

[@astridbrodahl1329]

I absolutely love Jane Fonda’s honesty!

[@angelalawsonspiritualreadi2010]

Holy eff I love her! That whole showing up in a relationship section.. that was wildly powerful. She is wildly powerfully mindful 🙏🏽

[@smileeveryday421]

I admire her wisdom, and when she speaks, it is so genuine, and real! Love that!🙏💜

[@cwb1400]

My hardcore right-wing family soured me to Jane Fonda growing up but when I became an adult and started listening to her and understanding truths instead of the lies I have come to respect this woman sooo much! She’s so right about female friends and the importance of that. Just love her!

[@kausikghosh9968]

Madam Fonda I Respect you from the Core of My Heart. You Represent the Power of Women which the World Recognized. May Lord Jesus Bless.

[@amystallings4606]

Thank you for saying that you looked to men to lead and mold you. That's a brave admission. We do it, it happens. I saw you doing this and I wondered where you were going. I was never good in relationships either! And we don't need to apologize for that.

[@smoothandchunky1]

Jane Fonda is such a seasoned human being every breath she takes is an important life lesson. Adore her, rock on Jane!

[@cyberlioness]

Love her. Honesty. Authenticity. Pulls no punches.

[@williamsharman2159]

Hello Allison, how are you doing?

[@jameshurst8529]

@@williamsharman2159 Hello Alison, how are you doing today?

[@gittevogelbein8259]

You can learn so much from her. She is fantastic. Love her.

[@williamsharman2159]

Hello

[@williamsharman2159]

Hello dear 😊🥰

[@darrisnelson5223]

Jane is a fascinating woman...without fail every time I’ve heard her speak I’ve learned something new. Her energy and passion are captivating! She is someone I look to as a mentor for how to age well. At 65 I’ve slowed down in my activism yet Jane in her 80’s seems to always be ramping up to something more that needs tending! Thank you for featuring her here!👏🏻💪🏻

[@patrickstevenson9775]

Yes fascinating is the word and while you admit to have slowed down with activism (there is nothing wrong with it, you have done your part so good to take a backseat), she seems to get even stronger and more determined with age and it is truly inspiring!. Endless energy and determination. Absolutely remarkable lady!

[@Thomasfrohwitter]

Hi there